HIV infection
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
14 Myths About HIV
MYTH: HIV Is Spread Through Casual Contact
MYTH: HIV Is Spread Through Casual Contact
HIV cannot survive outside of the body for long. In addition, not all body fluids carry the virus, including tears, sweat, and saliva. Therefore the virus is not transmitted by touching or other casual contact that occurs in day-to-day social experiences like hugging, kissing, shaking hands, or sharing food or beverages. The virus is not transmitted if there is no sexual contact and no exchange of blood. HIV also is not transmitted in households, even when uninfected persons share toilets, showers, and kitchens with infected individuals.
By Jenilee Matz, MPH. Published 4/16/12. Reviewed on 103/18 by Wayne S. Blocker, MD Board Certification: Obstetrics & Gynecology Licensure: FL #ME0025645 Statistics have been verified
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